HouliDesigns LLC

spreadsheet to garden: photos from my gardens at Denver Botanic Gardens

For almost 5 years I was able to design, plant and maintain several gardens at the Denver Botanic Gardens, including the entrance.  I was licensed with creating unique, vibrant, annual displays, that were changed seasonally.  I took care of a few perennial gardens as well, maintaining, enhancing and refining over the years. 

To my delight, I had almost complete creative license when it came to designing.  It probably goes with out saying, many gardens had set themes and any design improvements or plant introductions needed to fit within those.Yes, there were procedures, protocols and accountability; but essentially the design decisions were mine to make.  

Every year I submitted plant list spreadsheets, design layouts & itemized budgets for approval for all of my gardens for the following year.  During installation, every plant was to be accessioned and mapped.   Once our proposals were approved, we sourced and ordered seeds, plants & materials.  We devised timelines, gathered volunteers and eagerly awaited the last frost (which in Denver, usually comes around Mother's Day) to plant.  For the next 4-5 months, I (along with my wonderful volunteers) cared for the gardens that began as spreadsheets.  We'd plant a new design in fall, and then the process would start over again.  

Having filled roles of designer, client, project manager, plant broker, horticulturist and laborer for many projects from start to finish, I have a unique perspective that allows me to deliver the most seamless landscape design service possible.